Massachusetts Firm Recalls Fresh Ground Beef Patties And Beef Steak Products: E. coli Contamination

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Peggy Riek

Crocetti’s Oakdale Packing Co., doing business as, South Shore Meats, Inc., a Brockton, Mass., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,039 pounds of fresh ground beef patties derived from bench trim as well as mechanically tenderized beef cuts that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

This recall was initiated after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed a positive sample for E. coli O157:H7 which it collected during an epidemiological investigation. FSIS is continuing to work with the Massachusetts DPH, the Rhode Island Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the investigation. CDC had determined that the product sampled is associated with the illnesses being investigated. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a physician.

The products subject to recall include: [View Labels, PDF Only]

10-pound boxes containing 40, 4-ounce packages of “Beef Sirloin Patties, Manufactured by South Shore Meats.” 7.5-pound boxes containing 12, 10-ounce packages of “Beef Teres Major Steaks Seasoned.” Boxes of 24, 5-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style).” 9-pound boxes containing 12, 12-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, Center Cut, (sirloin style).” 9-pound boxes containing 12, 12-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (filet style).” 6.75-pound boxes containing 12, 9-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (sirloin style).” Boxes of 16, 10-ounce packages of “Beef Top Butt Steaks Sirloin Style.” Boxes of 20, 8-ounce packages of “Beef Butt Steaks Club Style.” Boxes of 26, 6-ounce packages of “Beef Top Butt Steaks Sirloin Style.” Boxes of 12, 10-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style).” 6-pound boxes containing 16, 6-ounce packages of “Beef Filet Of Sirloin, Executive Cut.” Boxes of 12, 8-ounce packages of “BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style).”
Each box bears the establishment number “EST. 6336” inside the USDA mark of inspection and may also bear a date code of “281.” The beef products were produced on October 8, 2009, and were distributed to wholesale distributors and institutions in Massachusetts. If available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS’ Web site at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls/ Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

Media and consumer questions regarding the recall should be directed to the company’s President Carl Crocetti at (508) 941-0458.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.